In a year which saw the exhibition industry in Asia facing some of its biggest challenges ever, the HKCEC was proud to host the First Asian Exhibition Forum (AEF) on 28 August, welcoming around 300 exhibition leaders, organisers and decision makers from throughout Asia and beyond. Sixteen countries were represented at the event, designed as a collaborative venture that would allow industry leaders to share their responses to recent industry challenges and discuss regional and cross-border initiatives for future exhibition growth in Asia.

Organised by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the AEF also enjoyed full backing from the HKSAR government. The HKCEC played a part in supporting the event, acting as a major sponsor and providing representatives on the Forum's organising committee.

"The AEF was critically important at this time," stressed HKCEC Managing Director Mr Cliff Wallace, "due to the impact of so many global factors on the Asian exhibition industry. Those within the industry are finding out the hard way that challenges caused by the economy, global travel trends and crisis management like that required by SARS, are best dealt with by coming together in a networking and 'family' environment."

HKSAR Acting Financial Secretary Mr Stephen Ip launched the AEF's intensive programme, which included eighteen presentations from keynote speakers and regional representatives. Papers covered topical subjects such as SARS and the war in Iraq, and described initiatives for future growth being undertaken by many Asian exhibition associations. A recurring topic was the development of new venues and facilities across Asia and particularly in China. Much time was spent addressing key issues of supply and demand, such as whether too many new facilities were currently being built.

The keynote speech of UFI President Mr Sandy Angus focused on the need to meet the challenges of the future proactively. He pointed out that nowadays competition was occurring not only between exhibition organisers, cities and regions, but was also arising from advanced technology such as the Internet, which was increasingly effective in promoting services and products.

Speaking on the background to the AEF, UFI Asian Pacific Chapter Chairman Mr Michael Duck said that it "was conceived of as the best way forward for instilling a sense of confidence across the industry, and showing that the industry is resilient and ready to fight back. And so it has proved," he added. "The exhibition industry cannot but emerge stronger than ever on the back of an event like this, and the UFI is very proud to have been one of the organisers."

Chairman of the Forum Organising Committee and also of the HKECIA, Mr Stanley Chu, concurred. "To re-establish our reputation and momentum after a year of adverse events across Asia, we needed a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and joint initiatives. That is exactly what the First AEF provided, in an intensive atmosphere charged with a sense of purpose, and I am excited about the outcomes that are emerging."